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The seven-time All-England champion said he was proud of the duo's achievements but winning titles alone was not everything, "rather leaving behind a legacy for the young ones to follow and emulate is more paramount".

"I hope we do not have to wait for another 25 years to win an All-England title or the Asian Games gold," said 77-year-old Eddy when met at the launching of the Asian Sports Awards, here.

He said that during his generation, players competed in the All-England and other international events for national pride while the monetary factor was secondary.

"Today's sports personalities fare better and receive handsome cash rewards when they do well. It is not wrong as they sacrifice much through time spent in training, being away from families, loved ones and sometimes because of their commitment to sports, they find it difficult to hold on to proper jobs.

"However, money alone should not be the motive because if money supersedes your passion and love for the sport, it will be difficult to achieve success in the long run," he said.

Such advice coming from a man who has seen it all over the past 60 years or so must not be taken lightly.

Eddy won the All-England men's doubles title three years in a row from 1951 to 1953 with his brother Datuk David Choong.

In 1953, he also won the men's singles title before reaching four other finals and winning three of them in 1954, 1956 and 1957.

He lost the 1955 final to Wong Peng Soon of Singapore, which was then under the Federation of Malaya, and still lives to regret it.

"I have been in the Real Estate and Housing industry for the past 50 years but I have never failed to follow the progress of badminton in the country. I have seen many players come and go but only those with the passion and desire to win, remain on court," he said.

Kien Keat-Boon Heong who ended the country's 25-year wait to win the All-England men's doubles title on March 11 in Birmingham, added the Swiss Open title a week later.

The duo, who are now unofficially the world number one pair, came home to a heroes' welcome last night and will prepare for the Asian Badminton Confederation (ABC) Championships in Johor Baharu from April 10-15.

After the ABC, they will continue their quest in the Super Series by taking part in the Singapore and Indonesian Open in May.